Though we’re not even midway through the NFL season, the college football schedule is speeding toward its conclusion of the regular season. With that being said, it is never too early to begin scouting for the 2024 NFL draft. Since his hire in 2012, Les Snead has become notorious for the phrase “F them picks,” a phrase coined through the constant trading of the Rams’ first-round selections. As a matter of fact, the Rams 2024 first-round pick would be the first made by the Rams since they traded up for Jared Goff in 2016.
However, when you look at the makeup of this team, Snead has built a winner through quality Day 2 and 3 draft selections.
Here are 5 prospects the Rams should watch for this week.
1
Dallas Turner, EDGE, Alabama
The 2024 pass-rushing class has taken a back seat to the big-name offensive prospects on the board. This benefits the Rams greatly as they will most likely be selecting in the back half of the first round. Despite the probability of having to trade up for him, Alabama’s Dallas Turner is a ca n’t-miss prospect.
A quick get-off, fast and violent hands with a motor that never quits, Turner is the piece that will take the Rams pass rush to the next level. While Aaron Donald remains one of the best defenders in the league, the Rams continue to search for Leonard Floyd’s and Von Miller’s replacement. It looks like Byron Young has stepped in well for Floyd but the Rams have been hard-pressed to find Miller’s replacement. Turner’s 7 sacks and 2 forced fumbles are a testament to his skill and efforts as he is constantly doubled teamed. Turner also sets the edge against the run at an NFL level as his efforts single-handedly stalled the offenses of Ole Miss and Texas A&M. Turner is the type of player that turns contenders into champions.
2
Ricky Pearsall, WR, Florida
If Marvin Harrison Jr. wasn’t already crowned as the Biletnikoff Award winner, he would have to worry about Florida’s Ricky Pearsall. The Chandler, Ari., native has been on a tear with the Gators, hauling in 44 receptions, 619 yards and four total touchdowns in a dysfunctional Florida offense.
Coming up huge in Florida’s comeback win over South Carolina, Pearsall put up 10 receptions for 166 yards and a touchdown. He is an effortless pass catcher as displayed in his one-handed snag against Charlotte.
He can play inside and outside, he has smooth feet and he is fundamentally sound when it comes to looking the ball in. He reminds me a bit of Khalil Shakir’s Boise State highlights when it comes to his body control and it seems that Pearsall always finds a way to get his feet inbounds.
3
Mohamed Kamara, OLB, Colorado State
What if I told you that one of the best pass rushers in the country is in Fort Collins, Colo.? Well, that is the case with Kamara. He has 9.5 sacks in six games, which would be surprising if he was a flash-in-the-pan type of player. Reminiscent of Joey Porter, Kamara had 7.5 sacks in 2021 and 8.5 sacks in 2022 before eclipsing that mark with a three-sack performance against Utah State two weeks ago.
This guy is a ball of athleticism who does not know the word quit. He has incredible speed. His ability to pin tackles with one arm while working the outside gives him a patented pass-rush move that delivers results. In terms of open field speed, Kamara once closed a 7-yard gap between him and an Air Force running back after said back broke through the line of defense that Kamara was opposite of. Kamara is a developmental piece but he provides depth to a position that needs it and his versatility gives the Rams the ability to create special pass-rush packages with him in mind.
4
Brevyn Spann-Ford, TE, Minnesota
The 6-foot-7, 270-pound tight end from Saint Cloud, Minn., is an underutilized gem that would give the Rams both a tall target and a solid blocker. His stats on the year may not impress, and they actually disappoint, but when you look at both the run-heavy offense of Minnesota and the poor QB play by the Golden Gophers, its easy to see why Spann-Ford isn’t putting up huge numbers.
However, his play is also easy to watch. A man mover, Spann-Ford can play as a true TE or he can also be flexed out as a receiver. He’s a combination of Donald Parham and Jake Ferguson, Spann-Ford is a massive red zone threat due to his size, ability to block and ability to make contested catches. He will be good value for any team that drafts him.
5
Tyler Van Dyke, QB, Miami
In a QB-heavy class where there could be five picked in the first round, Van Dyke is an underrated gem stuck in a mess of a situation in Miami. Mario Cristobal may be an overrated head coach but his ability to coach quarterbacks can not be ignored. Justin Herbert and Anthony Brown have both exceeded their vastly different expectations and the Miami QB has done nothing but ball out since he committed to the Hurricanes.
In six games, Van Dyke has thrown for 1,721 yards and 16 touchdowns to six interceptions. He has a 70% completion rate thanks to his accurate arm, ability to read defenses and propensity to make smart decisions. In the Rams offense and with Sean McVay as his teacher, Van Dyke is a perfect backup and project piece that could be a day 1 starter if needed. Van Dyke has never had elite weapons like the Rams have so his upside is huge.
